PAN objects to payments to legislators

YOGYAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie's decision to award Rp 150 million to each outgoing member of the House of Representatives is excessive, National Mandate Party (PAN) secretary-general Faisal Basri said on Saturday.

He was referring to a report last week on the decision. The House, however, has said it has not been informed of the plan.

A total of Rp 75 billion has been allocated for the purpose.

Faisal said the decision reflected the administration's lack of urgency in dealing with the state's problems.

He said Habibie intended to reward legislators for their efforts to draft legislation which increased his credibility, but also sparked controversy.

He said if the draft bill on national defense currently being debated by the House was ratified, it would make the President very happy.

"The money cannot be interpreted as a bribe, but more as an incentive for (the President's) loyal House members," Faisal said.

He said the plan was as excessive as recent state awards given to several people, including controversial figures.

One recipient was businessman A.A. Baramuli, a Golkar Party executive who is suspected of corruption.

"It appears that we are being encouraged to take Baramuli as our role model in order to receive the award," Faisal said. (06/44)